Lanterns will be lit in memory of tragic couple

Gaynor Clarke

The skies will be filled with lanterns and balloons tonight in a moving tribute to a young couple who died in a car crash.

Friends and family of Kirsty Belsham, 22, and Alex Wilson, 23, will gather at Bent Lane Park in Leyland tonight to remember them.

“It’s for both of them, Kirsty and Alex, to celebrate their lives. Kirsty was loved by a lot of people. We wanted to let her know we are thinking of her up there. It’s nice that they are going up in the air to where she is.”

Josie Williams

Kirsty, who grew up in Leyland and lived in Buckshaw Village, and Alex, from Farington Moss, died on March 24 after a crash on Runshaw Lane in Euxton.

They had become engaged less than a week earlier and had two children, Lacey May, five, and Tyler James, four.

Friends of Kirsty are organising a special tribute tonight and say more than 50 of her friends and relatives are planning to attend.

Josie Williams, 23, who was best friends with Kirsty while growing up, said: “It’s for both of them, Kirsty and Alex, to celebrate their lives.

“Kirsty was loved by a lot of people. We wanted to let her know we are thinking of her up there. It’s nice that they are going up in the air to where she is.”

Josie’s sister Anna suggested holding the memorial event and they are organising it with friends Marica Dawkins and Rebecca Butler.

They will meet at the park at 7.30pm and start releasing balloons and lanterns at 8pm.

Josie, who lives in Buckshaw Village, said: “Kirsty always made people laugh. She was crazy at times. She would always stick up for you if you were in trouble and always made sure you were alright.

“There was never a dull moment. She was absolutely full of life.”

More than £5,000 has now been raised for a trust fund for Kirsty and Alex’s children.

Donations have been pouring in this week, with £5,422 now donated by 294 people.

Annie Burns and Michaela Beech, friends of Kirsty’s family, set up the fund-raising appeal and the money will be given to the children when they turn 18.

To make a donation, go to www.gofundme.com/laceyandtyler.

Alex’s grandmother Elspbeth Wilson has set up a Facebook page to auction meerkat soft toys to raise money for the trust fund.